Scientists Discover Gene Giving Aussie Skinks Snake Venom Immunity

Fast summary

• A University of Queensland-led study discovered Australian skinks have evolved resistance to snake venom through molecular adaptations.
• The evolution centers on changes in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, targeted by neurotoxins to block nerve-muscle communication and cause paralysis.
• Skinks developed mutations at binding sites on the receptor that prevent venom attachment,independently occurring 25 times across evolutionary history.
• Similar resistance mutations were observed in other animals like mongooses and honey badgers, showcasing convergent evolution.
• Mechanisms include adding sugar molecules to physically block toxins and substituting a protein building block (amino acid arginine at position 187).
• Laboratory testing confirmed modified receptors in skinks effectively resist venom effects.
• Researchers hope these findings can guide biomedical innovations for antivenoms or therapeutic agents against neurotoxic venoms.
• Published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences, with contributions from museums across Australia.

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Indian Opinion Analysis

while this research focuses on Australian skinks, its implications resonate globally, including for india. Snakebite-related fatalities remain a important public health concern in the country-especially among rural populations. Insights into how nature counteracts neurotoxic venoms might play a crucial role in advancing next-generation treatments or antivenoms tailored for India’s diverse array of venomous snakes. The study also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between evolutionary biology and medical research to tackle real-world issues. As biodiversity continues to be explored scientifically, such discoveries may pave paths toward saving lives by learning from evolutionary resilience mechanisms seen across species.